Hispanic Scholarship Fund Leaders in Education Awards 2013: Paving the Way for Higher Education
By Erin
As an educator and teacher myself, I truly appreciate all the efforts of organizations that invest in our future and help students achieve their dreams and goals through their generous support of financial aid. Without these outlets for students to turn to, many would not be able to pursue higher education and earn advanced degrees that they are otherwise very capable of achieving if it weren’t for that financial gap, especially with today’s ever increasing price of a college education. I am ecstatic to partner up with the Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) to raise awareness of their dedication and commitment to helping students and their families navigate collegiate life. From getting that acceptance letter and securing financial aid to finding that first job and gaining employment after graduation. We teach because we have a passion and we love our kids in the community. Any way we can help them succeed has my full and 110% support.
Here is a little bit more about the Hispanic Scholarship Foundation:
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund is the nation’s largest not-for-profit organization supporting Hispanic higher education. They are committed to strengthening America through supporting Latino academic advancement.
Founded in 1975, HSF provides American families with the financial and educational resources they need to achieve a college education to help America be more competitive.
At present HSF has awarded over $360 million in scholarships and supported a broad range of outreach as well as education programs to help students and their families.
Their Mission: To increase the number of Hispanic college graduates by providing scholarships and assistance to students and their families.
Their Vision: Is a college degree in every Latino household.
The HSF Leaders in Education Awards (LEA) was held at the JW Marriott at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles the other day on Thursday, April 18th, 2013. This year marked their third year of having this annual LEA luncheon to raise awareness for HSF and I was lucky enough to attend and meet all of these very inspirational students, educators, parents, and volunteers/mentors that are leading the way for our future. These outstanding Southern California individuals were celebrated for their exemplary efforts of perseverance through their hard work and leadership to succeed in meeting and exceeding their goals. HSF works hard to recognize the contributions of leaders in the community and their impact in education and the nation.
Now meet just a few of HSF’s fabulous Sponsors that were in attendance: Toyota, Coca-Cola, & Wells Fargo.
Of course, you all know me, if there’s a horse in the room, I WILL find it! Low and behold, LOOK who I found! It’s Mack, the Wells Fargo Horse! All Honorees received one of these cute cuddly guys!
Meet the 2013 HSF Leaders in Education Honorees:
School of the Year: Animo Leadership Charter High School in Inglewood, prepares students for college, leadership, and life through innovative instruction, a rigorous curriculum, and the use of cutting-edge technology.
Educator of the Year: Teresa Carreto is the Career and College Advisor at Roosevelt High School, it is her job to ensure that every graduating senior is headed to college or a technical school.
Parent of the Year: Lorena Aguilar is a strong supporter of learning and hard work, she has instilled these values in her children from a young age and this has enabled her to bring up two wonderful young ladies as a single mother. She has contributed her own success as well as the success of her children, to these core values along with the support of her family.
Female Student of the Year: Barbie Aguilar maintains a 3.5 GPA and is active in school clubs as the Cervantes Spanish Honors Society Club, the Animal Club, where she volunteers at pet adoption centers and her beloved Salsa Club. Barbie credits Salsa dancing with helping her blossom and gain self-confidence. She advises her peers to do their best and set high goals in everything they do.
Male Student of the Year: Ariel Salazar is from a low-income family which has made him work harder for himself, his family and his people. He started doing volunteer works in his early teens and continues to regularly volunteer at his church, local community club, Salvation Army and other organizations.
Volunteer/Mentor of the Year: Oscar Ayon Puga and President/Co-Founder of Unidos Por La Musica has a main goal to empower students into being all they want to be in life and to share his formula for success; Knowing what you want, Focus, and Perseverance.
Presenter of the Award Christian Chavez with Volunteer/Mentor of the Year Oscar Ayon Puga
The HSF has really built an awesome support system, and is one thing that I truly loved about this event. Not only were the students recognized, but everyone else as well that helps out along the way that contribute to these students success; the parents, the teachers, volunteers and mentors, and the schools. Like the saying goes, it takes a village. It really does, and when the community comes together like this, the skies the limit. Personally I know I would not be where I am today if it were not from the help and encouragement of beloved teachers, coaches, mentors and help from my parents.
Highlights from the Event that I Loved:
*Speaking with President and CEO Fidel Vargas. I loved hearing his story and what his plans are for the future of HSF. He is a six time HSF recipient himself and he believes in the power of giving back to the community and to the foundation that helped him get where he is today and is ready to take HSF to the next level. Be on the lookout for a special campaign to launch in September of 2013. This campaign is vital for the future of HSF and the students, educators, parents, and schools that count on them.
*The Pledge to Text Event that took place during lunch! It was awesome to see and hear over the course of one meal, how much money could be raised so that more students can achieve their dreams of attending college and earning their degrees through sending a simple text message. Over $75,00 was raised during this time and will help out many more deserving students.
*Seeing all of the honorees speak and how heartfelt, sincere, and emotional they all were. Each and everyone of them were so thankful for the opportunity and excited to see their dreams coming true. Each one had such a unique perspective on life and I cannot wait to see where life takes them all next.
You can connect with HSF here on Facebook and Twitter.
Disclosure: This is part of a compensated campaign with Smith New Media and HSF.net However, all opinions expressed are my own.
These sounds like a great scholarship and I love seeing the people who were honored!
Jeannette recently posted..Having an #EverydayEffect, a Fun Recycling Craft and Six Simple Ways to Conserve
What a great initiative and a fantastic mission.
Ghada recently posted..A Heavy Hearted More FITNESS Half Marathon Recap
What an awesome program!
Melissa Lawler recently posted..Earth Day Resolutions #EverydayEffect
What a wonderful program. I love to see educators and students honored like that.
Love this program! Great mission 🙂
Kas
Kasandria Reasoner recently posted..Disney/Pixar’s MONSTERS UNIVERSITY Reveals Full Voice Cast
Looks like it was a great event!!
Ashley S recently posted..All Natural Organic Le Savonnier Marseillais Liquid Soap ~ #Review
What a great thing to have going! Sounds like an amazing opportunity! Thanks so much for sharing.
Shannon (The Mommy-Files) recently posted..Homemade Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe with Ingredients from Smart & Final #ChooseSmart
What an awesome program! Great mission! Thanks for sharing the wonderful pics as well. I’m glad you found a horse. 🙂
Alexandra McAllister recently posted..New Mobile Marketing App Start The Rippln
What an inspiring mission!! This is very helpful! Thanks for sharing!
Jenn recently posted..A Mother and Daughter Keepsake from PicturesOnGold.com #Review
I love to see hard working students rewarded for their efforts! Thanks for sharing this. They all look so thrilled to be a part of it!
diane recently posted..10 Reasons Why You Should Grow Your Own Organic Food #DigIn #Ad
What a great program and event!
amber whitehead recently posted..eFreesia Portable Smartphone Charger Review
This sounds like a wonderful program! Without these types of programs, many would not have a chance at a better future!
Alaina Bullock recently posted..Prana SpaCeuticals Using Nature to Enhance Beauty
Sounds like a great opportunity !
amber whitehead recently posted..eFreesia Portable Smartphone Charger Review
Sounds like a great program! I agree that any organization focused on helping children get a good education is amazing!
Kecia recently posted..Easy Diaper Changes with Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers
What a great event and a fabulous opportunity for the students and teachers. Thanks for helping to shed light on this organization. Good to see good people getting honored
Tom H recently posted..Napa Valley Gastronomic Tour – Understanding Napa Valley Regions
This looks like a wonderful event. What a great cause!
JDaniel4’s Mom recently posted..{Earth Day Lunch} Leftover Signs of Spring
What a truly inspiring mission and a fantastic way to pave a way to great education!
mel recently posted..Official Kolcraft MLB Stroller Review-Giveaway!
How awesome! What amazing people and it sounds like a fun event!
Wonderful to honor people, what a great program! Kudos… 🙂
This makes me happy to see this program in place and their vision is fantastic!
Liz recently posted..Velveeta Mexi-Cheesy Casserole
Everyone dream of a higher education, this scholarship will help many students attain that dream. Thanks for sharing.
Meryl Hershey Beck recently posted..Time for Healing
Great program!
Cinny recently posted..A mother is like gold… #Frockstar #MothersDay #GiftGuide
Will be sure to share
Education is paramount to all an to the community itself
great cause and a wonderful event! Love your photos!
Anita recently posted..Self Motivation and Fulfilling Your Aspirations
What a great event! I love that they concentrate on hispanic teens. I come from a Puerto Rican Background and I’m the first person in my family to graduate college so I understand how important it is and how much support and help can be needed in many situations.
What a wonderful way to honor those who strive to obtain an education! Applause!
That sounds like a great program. I love to see programs that contribute to our youth. I really like programs that offer mentorship programs, I think that is really important.
Melinda Dunne recently posted..Summer Blog Opp Event
This is a wonderful program and I am so happy to learn more about it. Thank you!
Melissa Reyes recently posted..5 Stops on a Culinary Road Trip
I am for anything that promotes education or that helps students attain their potential! What a worthy organization!
Michele recently posted..The Fairy Hobmother Paid ME a Visit!!
This is such a wonderful post. I love that they are giving scholarships to Hispanic youth. It’s about time this was more of a priority. I would loved to have been at an event like this.
Andrea Smith recently posted..Cryoow Doll Review and GIVEAWAY!! 3 WINNERS!!
What a marvelous organization and cause. You’ve done a beautiful job profiling the foundation, the event and the winners!
Lisa Frederiksen – BreakingTheCycles.com recently posted..When Does Drinking Alcohol Become a Problem
Great Scholarship and everyone deserves an education!
MzBaker recently posted..Join Mom365 today and receive $60 in gifts!!!
I will share this with my 16 yo, I would love for him to see what these kids are accomplishing.
Jennifer Wiliams recently posted..Enjoy a Nice Cold Beverage with Teas’ Tea – Review
What a wonderful program. Kudos to all sponsors and organizers for making this event successful.
seny recently posted..Bellini Fabulous Finds $150 Gift Code Giveaway
I admire great program such as this … Salute to the awardees!
amiableamy recently posted..Walt Disney’s Dreaming Tree
This is the program that the less fortunate students need.
Mommy Mhar @ Mom and Kids Blog recently posted..Receiving The Fruit Of Thy Labor
How nice it is to have a specific fun for the hispanic people.
Chubskulit Rose recently posted..Pandango sa Ilaw, Lubang Island Mindoro Philippines
Love to come here to learn more things about what is going on to the other people on earth. Thank you for sharing
Nova S recently posted..Where to find the best apartments
What a great opportunity and program. This post was so close to home for me considering I work with teenagers that come from lower income communities in alternative high school education. I love seeing stories such as these. The students honored above reminded me of my own.:) Thank you for this post!
Congrats to everyone that was recognized!
Becca Wilson recently posted..GradSave Review
Education is so important and this looks like a fabulous program. Love that you found the horse in the room! ; D
Sherie recently posted..Relationship Tips. #7. Listen: Is Anybody Really Listening?
Great to know about this organization that is so needed. The more opportunities that we can provide for students to complete their education, the better for all of us. That is wonderful that you are supporting HSF’s efforts.
Cathy Taughinbaugh recently posted..How to Find Recovery and Thrive: Meet Tommy Rosen
A personal friend of mine by the name of Mariela Dabbah has written several award-winning books on the topic of Latinos, college prep and college itself, including Help your Children Succeed in School (2006) that won the 2007 International Latino Book Award for Best Reference in Spanish. Her book Latinos in College: Your Guide to Success won the 2010 International Latino Book Award for Best Reference in English. Another best seller was Help Your Children Succeed in High School and Go to College. I don’t know to what extent they might be useful resources.
Sharon O’Day recently posted..Financial Independence: A Quick and Dirty Path to Freedom
What a brilliant occasion! Thank you for sharing Erin.
Carolyn Hughes recently posted..Sanctuary of the soul.
Honoring our young people is very important in encouragement to them to continue their journey to a fulfilled life.
Pat Moon recently posted..Super Fruits, Vegetables, and More Fruits are Critical to Anti-Aging
Very nice web site and great job!
This looked like a really awesome event. It’s so great to see people being encouraged and acknowledged like this! Thanks for sharing this.
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